Teeth Bleaching

Tooth bleaching, also referred to as tooth whitening, is a cosmetic dentistry procedure of lightening and removing stains from a tooth. The teeth bleaching process involves bleaching the enamel and dentin and brightening the discolored teeth.

Tooth whitening or teeth bleaching are all the rage among those who value their looks. An attractive smile is like a neon sign announcing a youthful, pleasant and charming personality. It is also the key that opens many doors. Not surprisingly, Hollywood stars and professional singers spend considerable amounts on tooth whitening/teeth bleaching procedures. Yellowed, stained teeth can spoil that important first impression, and even turn people off.

Children have naturally whiter teeth than adults. However, our teeth’s mineral structure changes with age. Our habits can also influence the color of our teeth. Tobacco use can and does change the color of our teeth, as do bacterial pigments. In such cases, tooth whitening reverses the discoloration, restoring a dazzling smile. Sometimes, it is necessary to have tooth whitening done for health reasons. The discoloration may cause dental deterioration and the dentist therefore removes it on preventive grounds.

Tooth whitening is done by use of oxidizing agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These agents interact with the teeth’s enamel, oxidizing stain deposits much in the manner than bleaching agents whiten clothes. When done repeatedly, the bleaching action sinks lower and into the dentine layer. On completion, the tooth whitening process removes all signs of unsightly discoloration and the result is a dazzling white ‘Hollywood smile’.

Dentists perform teeth bleaching in two ways. The ‘office bleach’ procedure involves applying a layer of the oxidizing agent onto the teeth. The dentist flushes away this layer after a short period, bringing instant tooth whitening results. The dentist usually uses a 35% hydrogen peroxide equivalent for this procedure. While it is certainly fast, using this method of tooth whitening is not entirely risk-free. The bleaching agent can damage the soft tissues because of chemical burns and the dentist must therefore supervise the process minutely.

The other method of teeth bleaching involves placing a thin strip of material that holds the bleaching agent directly onto the teeth. The dentist does not remove this strip in the same sitting. The patient retains it for periods ranging between a few hours to several days. Bleaching teeth by this method is not as convenient as the ‘office bleach’ method and obviously takes more time. However, many dentists advise their patients to opt for it rather than the ‘quick fix’ method. This is because this method of tooth whitening carries with it less risk of soft tissue damage.

Tooth whitening is not always successful in every patient. Some patients have yellowed teeth because they have been using certain medications such as tetracycline. This antibiotic causes stains that do not respond immediately to teeth whitening. In such cases, repeated teeth bleaching is required to penetrate the dentine layer and bring about the desired effects.

Newer procedures now involve the use of light to speed up the teeth whitening effect. Light-activated bleaching is still in its infancy and needs further study. However, the perfection of this new process can certainly revolutionize teeth whitening, making it a faster and safer process. Other areas that medical scientists need to address are the issues of chemical burns, sensitive teeth, overbleaching and premature loss of the whitening effect.

We all wish to have a beautiful smile displaying perfectly white teeth. Thanks to the various procedures available today, teeth whitening is easy and possible. But, there are a few potential hazards of whitening teeth. Here is more...

Brushing teeth with baking soda is touted to be the safest and the cheapest method of teeth whitening. However, chronic use of baking soda is also known to conduce wearing of teeth enamel. So what's the truth?

Easy and readily available, natural teeth whitening solutions can help reduce the ugly yellow stains and the discoloration that are the result of improper dental hygiene, smoking, and food habits. Read the following Buzzle article...

Opting for one of the many homemade teeth whitening solutions is the best way to brighten and clean your teeth. These remedies are inexpensive, and do not cause any damage to your teeth. Here are some options that you can try out.

Having a tough time trying to figure out whether teeth whitening is a safe option for everyone? This write-up on safety of teeth whitening will make things a lot easier for you in your quest to get that great set of pearl white...

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that can help you enhance your smile, and your appearance. Teeth whiteners for sensitive teeth are here to your rescue, if you fear the procedure because you experience teeth sensitivity. You...

Finding the best teeth whitening strips in market can be tough, if you don't know which brands to look for. Read the Buzzle article to learn about certain brands that may help you get pearly white teeth.

Treatment for yellow teeth involves natural methods or treatment at the dentist's clinic. The following article provides information about the various home remedies and other treatment options available for this condition.

Exposing a set of discolored teeth is a huge no-no, especially since it indicates that your oral health has taken a hit, with the possibility of not being able to recover from the blow. Save those teeth while you can by getting rid...

Tired of the expensive treatments to get rid of yellow teeth, but want to make them white and shiny? There is a solution! Read the following article and learn how to whiten teeth with hydrogen peroxide and other alternatives.

Professional teeth whitening methods can come to your rescue if you want to solve the problem of discolored teeth and obtain a great smile. This article gives more information on these innovative techniques.

If you are planning to use teeth whitening strips, you must be wondering whether these can actually help you get whiter teeth. The following Buzzle article will provide some information on whether this dental care product works or...

Teeth whitening strips are the most convenient method to whiten teeth at home. But gum irritation and teeth sensitivity are the side effects associated with these strips. Nevertheless they are popularly used by many people. The...

People of all ages and gender want to have a whiter smile. As your teeth are one of the first things an individual will notice, here is a Buzzle post that will give you tips and suggestions on flashing a flawless bright smile.

Nowadays, teeth whitening has gained a lot of popularity, as everyone loves to have white and sparkling teeth. The laser whitening system is one of the most popular methods for teeth enhancement. This Buzzle article contains the...

A dazzling, bright, beautiful smile is on everyone's wish list. To get it, some even pay an expensive visit to the dentist, while others resort to teeth whitening kits. Here are some home remedies for whitening your teeth the good...

Tooth bleaching is a process of using tooth whiteners in the form of bleaching agents to remove stains and discoloration in teeth. There are two option to get white teeth: in-office-based bleaching or at-home bleaching.